Jaw & Joint Surgery in Annandale, VA

When the TMJ - short for temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull - becomes damaged, deteriorated, injured, or otherwise compromised, patients can experience a range of symptoms, from mild to severe in some cases. With TMJ replacement surgery and other surgical options, our experienced maxillofacial and facial reconstructive surgeon Dr. Leonel Perez can help patients regain their ability to eat, speak, and move their jaw comfortably once again. During the procedure, which is typically reserved for cases when less invasive options have proven ineffective, the damaged or deteriorated joint is surgically removed and replaced with an artificial joint made of materials like titanium or medical-grade plastics. For patients who may not need a full TMJ replacement, Dr. Perez can also discuss genioplasty, orthognathic, and other more conservative approaches.

• Genioplasty: This procedure surgically alters the chin bone. This surgery can both restore balance and harmony to the face shape, as well as address functional issues such as recovery from facial trauma or disfigurement.
• Orthognathic Surgery: Also known as jaw surgery, this procedure aligns the upper and lower jaw. Results from this surgery can bring improved bite, speech, and feeding functions.
• Temporomandibular Joint Replacement (TMJ): This procedure addresses the joint that connects your upper and lower jaw. TMJ can resolve jaw clenching, grinding, and dislocation.

Contact Beyond Esthetics to learn more about your symptoms and the type of therapy needed to return to normal jaw functioning.

Depending on the patient's symptoms, the nature and cause of their TMJ abnormality or damage, and other individual case factors, Dr. Perez may recommend genioplasty, orthognathic surgery, full TMJ replacement, or another treatment approach. Generally speaking, TMJ replacement is a surgical solution used to address more severe temporomandibular joint disorders, whereas procedures like genioplasty and orthognathic surgery may address less complex or disruptive TMJ issues. In TMJ replacement surgery, the temporomandibular joint is surgically removed and replaced with an artificial joint. Orthognathic techniques, like genioplasty surgery, may be used to correct facial asymmetries, discomfort, and other signs and symptoms of TMJ abnormalities that are not considered severe enough to warrant a TMJ replacement.